I was back inside the Alabasta royal palace.
'Damn... The Anywhere Door is really magical. Thousands of kilometers covered in just a few seconds."
Then a sudden worry hit me.
"Wait a minute... How am I supposed to go back to the ship?"
When I evolved the ship, I had used the Pseudo Anywhere Door as one of the main components. It worked extremely well. Before, only a few people could pass through it. Now the entire ship could travel freely.
In the future, after more upgrades, it might even let us reach other universes.
Also, every door on the ship now worked like an Anywhere Door. But once I left the ship and arrived somewhere else, how was I supposed to return? Normal doors in the palace or other places would not suddenly become portals.
"System, can you explain this? Do I really have to walk all the way back to the ship?"
[Ding...! No need, Host. You are directly connected to the ship. You can open a return portal from anywhere by simply thinking of the ship. Treat it like a limited Door-Door Fruit that only works for traveling to and from the vessel.]
I let out a small sigh of relief. For a moment I had been afraid I had wasted such a powerful item.
I activated my Observation Haki and searched for the girls.
I had spent many hours on the ship, so it was already evening. Nami and Vivi had returned from shopping. Lily and Ann were back after spending time together as sisters. Kuina and Kaya had finished their training and studying. Even Queen Titi had completed her royal meetings.
All of them were now gathered in the dining room. They were talking about the things and waiting for food.
Where is Vice Admiral Tsuru?"
I expanded my Observation Haki a little further. Tsuru was in her assigned room. She was lying on the bed and resting. She seemed to be asleep.
'Looks like she's still recovering from that hardcore pounding earlier. I will talk to her later.'
She would need some quiet time after such intense sex. I could talk to her later if needed.
For now, the most important thing was to meet the girls and tell them about the new ship and about leaving Alabasta to continue the adventure.
I turned and walked toward the kitchen and dining area.
...
...
[Scene Change]
'Alex, you're here! Come sit. The food will be ready soon."
Vivi was the first to notice me when I entered the dining room. She quickly pulled out the empty chair beside her and waved me over.
I walked toward the long table and sat down beside her.
"Hehehe... Looks like you girls had a really good day. You're all smiling."
Lily grinned widely. She was still full of energy.
"Shishishi! Yes! Ann and I went around the city and tried food from several restaurants. Everything was so delicious. And some of them did not even take our money~"
She was looking truly happy. It had been almost two years since the two sisters could spend a whole day together like this.
Nami leaned forward with a playful smile and gave me a small wink.
'Alex, I bought some interesting clothes while shopping. I'll show you tonight. Hehehe... You're going to like them a lot."
I understood exactly what she meant and just smiled back at her.
Vivi talked about the things she and Nami had bought. She was also excited about telling me about the shopping spree.
Kaya was also speaking excitedly about the rare medical books she found in the royal library. She looked very satisfied with all the new medical knowledge.
Kuina had spent the day sparring with the royal guards and even taught them a few techniques. She was sitting up straight with a proud expression.
Robin simply smiled at me and quietly mentioned that she had visited several archaeological sites around Alabasta.
Queen Titi let out a small sigh, though there was still a gentle smile on her face.
'You girls had fun. I spent the whole day in the royal court listening to the ministers. After Alex solved the rain problem, we had to update many plans and policies. It kept me busy from morning until evening."
I looked around at all of them and simply listened as they shared their day.
Then Nami narrowed her eyes slightly and asked in a suspicious tone,
'By the way, Alex... where were you all this time? I couldn't find you anywhere in the palace. Were you outside fucking other women again?"
I met her gaze and answered calmly.
"I was doing some important work. You'll be surprised later."
The moment I said the word "surprised," the atmosphere changed.
"Surprise? What kind of surprise?" Nami asked quickly.
'Did you buy something?" Vivi leaned closer.
"Is it food?" Lily's eyes sparkled.
'Did you find a new training method? Kuina looked interested.
"Or maybe a new historical discovery?" Robin added with a small smile.
Even Queen Titi and Ann looked at me with curiosity. Kaya tilted her head, waiting for an answer.
I only shook my head and chuckled.
'I'll tell you about the surprise later. First, let's eat. I'm really hungry."
I wanted to tell them about the ship but looking at their excited expression, I thought it would be best if I gave them a surprise at once.
Just then the maids entered the dining room carrying large trays. They began placing dish after dish on the table one by one. Now the table was filled with grilled meat, fresh bread, soup, fruit, and several Alabasta specialties. The rich smell quickly filled the air.
Lily did not wait another second. She grabbed a huge piece of meat with both hands.
"Yes! Let's eat! I'm starving too! Shishishi!"
The other girls also started filling their plates. The earlier questions about the surprise were temporarily forgotten as everyone focused on the food.
I picked up my own utensils and began eating with them. I was already thinking about how I would talk about leaving and show them the new ship.
...
...
The dinner was truly delicious. I ate until I was completely full.
The food prepared for royalties is really very good.
Most of the girls had already finished their food. They were now holding glasses of wine and chatting happily about the things they had bought during the day.
Only Lily was still stuffing more food into her mouth.
'Yes, the purple necklace is really pretty," Nami said while showing the golden necklace with a purple diamond in the middle.
'I like the yellow one better, Vivi replied. "It looks like the sand of Alabasta."
'Hehehe... The perfume here is amazing," Nami continued with a proud smile. "I already packed more than twenty bottles of different scents."
Their conversation jumped from jewelry to perfume to clothes without stopping. I simply sat there and listened for the next hour while Lily slowly finished every last dish on the table.
When she finally put down her utensils and let out a satisfied sigh, I decided it was time.
I set my glass down and spoke in a clear voice.
'Can I have a moment? I have an important announcement to make."
All the girls turned toward me at once. Even Lily stopped moving and looked up with curious eyes. Once I was sure I had everyone's attention, I said the words I had been thinking about for days.
'It's time for us to leave Alabasta and continue our adventure."